Rain

Rain fell in a torrential downpour as Greg dropped me off at the Navy Pier Grand Ballroom. I gathered the gown and exited the car as quickly as I could. Large umbrellas held by event personnel protected me from getting soaked.

Inside the arched doors, Richard waited, wearing an elegant black tuxedo with black tie and red cummerbund. “Thena, how are you?” He took my arm and leaned in to kiss my cheek.

“I’m well, thank you,” I replied. Richard had combed his dark wavy hair, but that did little to tame it. Though he might have been overdue for a haircut, I liked it longer.

The creases around his eyes revealed his angst. “Thank you for coming.” He took my hand and lead me inside.

We ignored the camera-toting media and TV news people as best we could, stopping only for obligatory event photos. Inside the Grand Ballroom, white linen and crystal glasses covered round tables set for ten. Each chair was enclosed in a white seat cover. Tall centerpieces, vases filled with bold blue flowers and